Fallout Equestria: The Ranger of Seamane

Chapter 4 - Doc Rhythm

“That was a truly feeble performance...” -Rainbow Dash Sonic Rainboom MLP:FiM

I woke up, that was a good sign. My chest hurt, well sort of good sign too, at least I felt it. I opened my eyes and realized I was laying on my back. It took me a moment to figure out where I was. I was back in the tower, laying behind the desk on the bottom floor opposite of the entrance. I lifted my left leg and checked the time. Then I saw the date, I had been out for most a day. What had caused that? I had to stop and think, my mind slowly working through the mental fog. I had... fought a pegasus raider and ended up falling. Falling a really long distance. I should be dead. I winced, I think I got very close this time. Maybe I should start keeping track of how many times I nearly died. No, that would be too morbid.

I cleared my throat hoping somepony would hear it. Silence was the reply the tower gave me. Okay, I think I am here on my own. I looked around a bit more, I saw my saddlebags near me, most of the medical supplies were laying out. I saw a few empty syringes of Med-X. So that is why things felt a bit off. Thinking about it I was now certain I was feeling the effects of painkillers. I saw a few empty healing potions. I probably should use one, it would, no, what if my ribs were broken and I took one without setting them? That, that would be a painful way to go. I knocked over my saddlebags. Few extra days rations were missing. If they had taken food and water then maybe they had taken a walk out to Dune City. Hopefully the walk out to Dune City with the raiders cleared out would be safe. I prayed for Luna and Celestia to watch over them and protect them. I looked my leg, the various electronics were still functional after everything. Well if I was going to lay here and heal up until some pony showed up to fix me I was going to have some entertainment. I powered it on and slip in my ear bloom since the speakers were... well, not that great. I was again greeted with familiar music of DJ Pon3's station.

After an hour I was very bored. Bored and in pain, so I couldn't really just go and sleep this off. I opened my saddlebags and cursed as I saw I had no books. Then I face hoofed, they were all on my bookshelf back in my room at the school house. Well, lets see if I can walk. I gently wrapped myself in a levitation field, more to reduce the weight on my ribs hoping that if weightless I wouldn't do further damage to them. I also grabbed my knife and pistol. Both I knew I could hold in my mouth if I needed to. Getting up was not easy, nor was it painless. Being on my back meant I had to roll over on to a side, which meant I got to feel my ribs scream at me as I rolled on them. After I did get standing I felt better, I looked at my saddlebags, I had a bit of food left and my canteen. An idea hit me and I powered on the terminal, I stripped the password out and left a note on it, mentioning the elevator and the broadcast floor. There was a cot there and, I could watch for their return. Plus, not being on the ground floor meant if any pony came I would know where they were before they knew where I was.

Walking wasn't that bad, apparently when I landed my ribs had taken the brunt of the impact. My legs ached as I walked to the elevator. I probably had spared myself bleeding out or having shattered my leg by spreading my legs instead of keeping them under me. I spent a minute trying to press the call button with my hoof until I remembered my magic. Now I was glad no pony was around. I pressed the call button and waited for the elevator. Standing and waiting for the elevator I realized that really I should have given myself more horizontal velocity and rolled the energy out of the landing instead of bouncing. I also found that standing was much easier than walking right now. I watched the doors hoping they would open before my legs gave out. As much easier as it was to stand than walk, my legs still threatened to give out all the same. Finally after what seemed like longer than the first time, the elevator arrived with it ding. I walked in and jabbed the button for broadcasting with my magic. The doors closed and I put all my magic into levitating myself to offset the rapid ascent. My heart skipped a beat as the elevator began to decelerate I remembered for a brief second when Thunderlord had tossed me. That same weightless feeling reminding me of the terror I had felt looking down at the ground.

The doors slide open and I did my best to stay on all four hooves as I walked out. Most of what was still holding me up was my magic. Unfortunately that probably wasn't going to last much longer, my head hurt as well and my horn felt sore. I looked up at the monitors, they were all still on, so I guessed I could move something to lay on and watch them later. I kept moving for a little longer until I miss stepped and fell. I rolled enough to not directly hit my ribs dead on. However I did get to learn that my ribs were probably not broken and just horribly bruised, maybe a few fractures here and there. I coughed for a few minutes as my eyes teared up from the pain, I just let my go limp for the time being. As I lay there DJ Pon3 came on the air with the news, it was for somewhere else, some pony else. Guess wasn't time for the Seamane news update. I giggled to myself, wonder what hour was dedicated to us.

*            *            *

I woke up again, my dreams had been less than peaceful. Mostly reliving moments where I could have died, but, instead lived. I had gotten lucky in some cases, most of it seemed to be far more of I just was a lot more hardy than I gave myself credit for. I looked at my watch again, it was about four in the morning, my stomach growled at me. I levitated the food I had brought with me and ate what I could. The pain in my chest had lessened thankfully as well as the soreness in my horn over the ten hours I had slept on the floor. However sleeping on the floor had left me quite stiff. I looked at the monitors, it had been raining when I fell asleep, and it still was. Now I can see why the area around Seamane was cropland, lots of rain. I looked out at the monitor that had Dune City before, the town was still there, and the guards were still patrolling.

I rubbed my chest, a few spots stung badly. From what I was feeling it was just bruised ribs like I had thought. I looked around to see if there was a medical box I really hadn't looted this place, so it stood to reason there might one around here. I got up and went out to the hall and looked if there was a white box with butterflies on it.

Next to the elevator a first aid box sat, I walked my way over to it. Each step still sent a flare of pain from my chest. I went to open it to find it locked, of course. I pulled out bobby pin from my mane and slid it into place. It took no time to find the spot and then I used my magic to turn the lock like I would with a screwdriver. It took a fair bit effort, but, I got it unlocked. I opened the case to find it empty, save for a memory orb. I sighed and put the pin back in my mane then grabbed the orb with my mouth. Well got something to do for a while, I walked back into the broadcast room then laid down on the floor, resting against a cool desk. Lets see what is in this memory orb. I reached out with my magic.

ooooooOOOOOOOOoooooo

I was flying again, oh merciful Luna protect me! I felt the armor around me, it was very light and as the mare I was in banked and showed off its flexibility. Whoever designed this was armor was very skilled. She looked to her sides and she was flanked by more pegasi in black armor. The sky was rather free of clouds as we passed over the ocean. I heard a voice pop up in my ear.

“Lets run the plan again, because our window for this is about ten minutes.” The voice in my host's ear said.

“Alright,” I felt my host say, “Three hours ago the Saint Clover was captured en route to Seamane from captured Zebra lands. It is full of coal, so no need to worry about it exploding. Seems the Zebra's on board are asking for the return of P.O.W.s in return for the crew.”

“Damn stripes,” I heard another voice say.

“Thankfully they wanted to be seen so the crew is up on deck and tied up. Since this is a operation to retake the ship we have to clear out all of the Zebra's before they can execute any hostages.” There was a silence. “We also need to do this fast so no word of this gets out, M.O.M. will mop up memories of whatever happens here.”

“Is there any chance that the Zebra's set charges in the boat?” The first voice asked.

“That is what the StealthBucks are for, we go invisible and do what we can to secure the ship without any zebra’s getting a shot off. Once shots are fired, expect to have very little time until the captives are executed.”

“They expect the three of us to take care of the whole ship? Well lets show them what we can do!” said the voice who earlier cursed at the stripes.

“Agreed Pride, we pull this off and we will get promotions all around for this, hell maybe we can more missions like this!” said the first voice.

“Alright, Pride and Gust we are almost in range, activate your StealthBucks.” My host commanded.

The two pegasi flanking me vanished I noticed everything outside of my helmet vanished too as a slight charge went down my body. The Eyes Forward Sparkle displayed a tag below me as I dove through a cloud. There was the Saint Clover, sailing on the ocean. I saw on the deck a line of dots, must have been the captives. I felt guns at my sides hum with magical energy. I saw a few other dots on deck as I sped down.

I pulled up and hovered over the deck of the ship, not letting my hooves touch the deck itself and headed below deck. I knew the ship from living on it, many of the halls were the same. It did not take long for me to feel a pang of longing to be here myself. I heard reports from Pride and Gust as they secured parts of the ship, sealing rooms behind them as well as neutralizing any Zebras along the way.

It took them no time to clear the ship, their wings giving them excellent mobility even within the tight corridors.

“Alright, we need to clear the deck in ten seconds flat, any longer and they will snap out of their stupor from us popping up out of the ship. On my count we go.”

“Rodger!”

“Ready!”

I was hovering in the air, still invisible, my E.F.S. marking where my allies sat in wait. This was going to be very one sided I felt.

“Alright boys, five, four, three, two, one!”

At one six lines of light lanced across the deck, four Zebra's dropped dead. The StealthBucks kept them invisible and as they brought forth death from upon high. Eight Seconds after it started, it was over. All the zebras had been killed and the mission was a success. My host moved to cut the bonds of the captives. I heard a beep.

“They're rigged!” My host said as I darted through the crew. My guess was that my host was hoping to knock a few away in case not all of them were rigged. She floated in the air for a few tense moments. Nothing happened.

“Okay cut them free, figure out what is going on here.” My host ordered.

“This is command, scrub the mission, Seamane has been attacked. I repeat Seamane has been attacked.” Came a new voice in my ear.

The three looked at each other, I think they thought what I had thought, a simple one word sentence. 'What?!'

“Command, reporting operation was successful, ship secure and so is the crew. Returning to base now.” My host said, her heart was racing, gone was the cool professional demeanor as resolve slipped away.

“Confirmed, leave the ship to the crew to get to port, we need all forces to help civilians as well as search the city for the zebras who released the nerve gas.” Nerve gas? This was when the zebras had sneaked in canisters of nerve gas and set it off on the civilian population. I felt my host launch off the deck as soon as all the crew were freed.

“Sir!” I heard Pride call to my host, “what are we going to do?”

“We are going to hunt down the bastards doing this, using fucking gas, I will rip their stripes off of them.” The fear I felt fade away to a deep burning hatred.

ooooooOOOOOOOOoooooo

So while Equestria was winning the war pretty solidly there were still attacks on shipping lines. I knew of the nerve gas attack before, hadn't known that the Saint Clover had been captured at one point though. Better question was why was this here. The only pony I could think of who had come through here was Meadows and that was a bit after the bombs fell. So why leave this here? Ugh brain was not yet ready to think so hard. I looked around me, I was still where I had been, so that was good. I looked up at the monitors that showed the path from Dune City to here. I saw what looked to be four dots traveling from Dune City to the tower. Well good, they rounded up some ponies to help. Though, probably still a few hours out. I ran a hoof over my ribs again, still very tender, and I didn't dare take a potion still just in case I was wrong and one of my ribs was broken. I looked up at the central monitor.

“Where the hell do you connect to.” I said aloud to myself as I frowned. Maybe there was something that labeled it on the console. I got up and walked to the console below the central monitor. Looking over it again, it appeared to be a way for me to broadcast to specific towers or to the hub. Where was the hub then? Obviously not in Seamane, so it had to be DJ Pon3's studio. Where had DJ Pon3 said he was broadcasting from? Wasn't it... Tenpony Tower? I think it was. I turned my radio back on. Just music so he must be away. I have plenty of time so I will just wait and see who comes by while messing with the cameras here.

I found after a few minutes of messing around that the cameras were rather easy to move about. I used one to comb over the remains of the raider camps, I thankfully saw that none had moved back in while I had slept. I had either gotten them all, or had killed enough of them that the rest scattered. In my book a job well done.

I continued to scan around for anything of note. Other than a few odd ruins here and there it was rather desolate. To the northwest there was the badlands. Prewar the area had been home to a few small communities the major ones I knew of being Colt, old Appleloosa, and Dodge City. I also looked for where the other towers were. I wanted to get all of these up. It was really the only major thing I could do. That and it looked like I would be following Meadows. I stared as I held the camera looking at the tower sitting in the heart of Seamane. That one was going to be a problem. I had to go near the Seamane crater, the fort, and ministry row. From what I was seeing it was not going to be a easy trip either. A lot of going through residential areas, then into business. Beyond that it was too far to see with the cameras on this tower.

“Okay, so,” I looked at the cameras again. “I need to go to the south near Oakmare, then up to Colt for the first two.” I explained to the air, “Then we have one in Seamane. So, logically I should head to the one by Oakmare, then go north, hit the one by Colt, then Swing around north along the road I just cleared of raider threat. From there head up to that resort that also has a tower near it. Then come from the north down into Seamane, avoiding getting close to the crater.”

I gave myself a small nod. Sounded simple enough, and if I had been Meadows coming from Hoofington he probably hit the tower by Colt first then down to the one near Oakmare. From that path he would hit this tower next, which sounded right from the entry on the computer down stairs. Then up to this tower then to the resort finishing with going down into Seamane. He would have avoided the crater that way, and by staying to the north the winds would have blown in air from the sea to the north so less fallout. Okay this sounded like a good sound plan.

I stepped back from the controls and watched as the view changed itself to where it had been facing before I interacted with it. I guessed that some system knew that the camera views had overlapped and set it to where it wasn't anymore. I slowly walked back towards the exit. I had only a few hours until the ponies from Dune City got here, and I didn't want them wandering about the tower to find me if they didn’t check the terminal.

“Excuse me, you’re the one who got this tower running again aren't you.” I jumped as I heard the voice. I blinked and saw the image of that pony I figured to be DJ Pon3's assistant flickered onto the screen. I figured assistant due to she was a she and DJ Pon3 was a he, or she had quite the vocal range.

“Well some pony had left a job flier in Dune City to get the towers running, I had nothing else better to do at the time.” I stated. Then I turned. It was a unicorn mare, she had a shorter mane than myself and it was a two tone blue. I tilted my head, she also had a similar build to myself.

“If you want to talk you are going to have to use the microphone.” She explained patiently with a smile on her face. I blushed and realized she hadn't heard what I said.

I walked up to the microphone and pushed the button labeled as broadcast to station and not broadcast all. “Yes I am the one who got this tower up and running again. Somepony left a flier to do it at Dune City and I did it on my way to clear out some raiders.” I responded, trying my hardest to make my blush go away.

“Well you did a fine job at both, rather amazing job with the raiders. You have aim, and a patience's that is rather rare in the wasteland. You also seem to have the drive to do some real good.” She was smiling, I knew that helping others was rare in the wasteland, but, was it that rare? I mean there was at very least that stallion near New Appleloosa doing the same thing I was.

“Well, I don't mean to over blow my heroics, but, before I got this tower online I cleared a town of raiders and saved their captives. They now are living in Dune City. I kind of stumbled into that whole situation.” Dammit I was blushing more, why was it embarrassing to talk about doing good?

“Oh really now, I am sad I missed that. Would have made wonderful way to introduce you to DJ Pon3's listeners.” I blushed more, I wondered if making others blush was her special talent.

“Well, maybe after I get the other towers on I can take a vacation to Tenpony Tower. We can do lunch and you can get a proper interview.” I smiled thinking about how much better Tenpony Tower would be to out here.

“It is a deal, I’ll pay.” She laughed, “By the way, the name is Homage, I am DJ Pon3's personal assistant.”

I gave a slight bow, as much as my legs would let me. “I am Moonlight, originally from Saint Clover, had some issues there and now technically a resident of Dune City.”

“Well Moonlight, you don't mind me calling you Moonlight right?” Homage questioned.

“Not at all, not like anything else you call me.” I retorted with a smirk on my face.

“Moony,” She suggested with a grin, I would have face hoofed if I had trusted my legs more. “We will be keeping an eye on you, you are a source of good news in the wasteland. And I like to give my listeners a beacon of light. Also since I am now on the air in Seamane there is a new audience it would be nice to report good things in their area. So keep fighting the good fight.”

“I will do what I can, thank you for talking to me, since I built this,” I lifted up my left leg to show off my pipbuck zero, “I have been listening to DJ Pon3 whenever I am awake. It is nice to have something other than the silence of the wasteland.”

That got her to blush, I think this was not the first time she had met a fan. However, I did think it was the first time it was from someone like me. Not a mare, but, someone who she held in high regard. Or maybe she didn’t interact much with those who listened to the station.

“Well I am certain DJ Pon3 will be glad to hear it, but, I think your friends will be there soon, and I have work to get back to. DJ Pon3 can't run the show all by himself.” Homage gave a smile then the screen she had been on showed a image from Tenpony tower, a view out out south towards where I was. She knew how to make me feel better, as well as leave the clear message that her eyes had turned to the south as well.

*            *            *

I was about to doze off when the doors opened and four ponies walked in. I recognized two of them as being the ponies I had rescued yesterday. The other two took me a few moments to recognize, one was the doctor from Dune City, guess he did make house calls. The other was the guard who had taken me to see the mayor when I first got to Dune City. I waved a hoof, I noticed every pony breath a sigh of relief. I guess the two I saved didn't know how bad of a condition I had been in when they ran to Dune City. I couldn't really blame them though, I had just fallen out of the sky on my chest then bounced. Even I would second guess how long somepony would last after that if they still drew breath.

“No need to worry about further in, nopony came in after you two left.” I gave a smile, this made the guard relax more and turn his attention to the door they came in through. I rather have everyone at ease about the situation.

“Well good, then we can work on patching you up.” The Doctor said, I then realized again, I hadn't asked for his Celestia damned name.

I just lay still as he checked me over with his magic. A few grimaces on his face showed that a number had been done on my internal organs, not just my ribs. He gave me a Med-X then wrapped my chest in medical bandages.

“You got lucky, your ribs don't need to be set, you had a lot of fractures though. And as such you will not be walking back.”

“So then am I to stay here until I heal or is somepony carrying me back to Dune City?” I asked, I wasn't certain if I could walk that far.

“You are going to sleep here for the night, as are we.” he lifted a healing potion to my mouth and I drank it down, I could feel the pain that I still felt dying down rapidly. I also felt that warm feeling that healing potions gave, it was remarkably like that of alcohol come to think about it.

“Hopefully by morning you will be fit for travel, and I would suggest once back in town you rest for at least a day before heading out again. If you do go out, go with a caravan this time.” Doc sternly stated to me.

A caravan, that would get me to the tower near Oakmare. Just have to find the right one that was going out to Oakmare. I nodded to Doc.

“I should have asked this a few days ago, but, what is your name Doc?” I felt a bit of red enter my cheeks.

“I’m Sandy Rhythm, you can just call me Doc. Rhythm, I would also prefer if you did.” Rhythm said, and I gave a nod.

“Well I am going to try to get some more sleep, thank you for coming out here to help me. I really appreciate it, and,” I looked a the two I saved, “thank you for going and getting help.”

The two looked taken aback, then smiled. I just laid back and closed my eyes. Hopefully we could get headed out without too much delay. This down time after every fight was getting annoying. I felt myself start to drift off, at least I had a better picture of what I was going to spend my time doing around Seamane now. I didn't feel like a lost filly trying to find her way.

*            *            *

I woke up and actually I felt pretty damn good. I stretched and I felt my spine pop. I rolled to my side, my ribs didn't hurt all that much. I took a deep breath, that didn't hurt much either. I smiled, yep, healed. I needed to ask Rhythm how to check for broken bones and how to set them. I really needed to be able to not have to rely on others to heal me. I rolled onto my hooves and stood up. The two I had rescued were curled up together, fast asleep, Rhythm was also asleep. Then I saw movement, and the guard was there, giving me a nod. I gave a wave to him then walked to my saddlebags. I repacked it after pulling out some preserved apples. I bit into one, two hundred years fresh, yum! I forced myself to eat the horrid thing. I checked the time, it was around five in the morning. Having nothing better to do I got into my barding, I thought for a moment about putting on the saddlebags, then decided against it, just my knife, pistol, and canteen. Mostly I stretched. Laying on the floor so much had left me stiff and sore.

It was about an hour before the others woke up, they ate and drank. We didn't speak, I don't think there was much to say. We all knew what was going on, and we nodded as we headed out Rhythm walking behind me. He was keeping an eye on me, making certain he hadn't missed anything. It took a long time for us to get back, better part of the day was spent as every pony waited on me to climb dunes. While I was healed for the most part I still was very sore and tired.

*            *            *

When we got to Dune City it was evening. The two captives headed to a tavern, the guard I gave some caps to as thanks. He pocketed them and gave me a cordial smile. Rhythm remained.

“You are going to bed, come on, I know you have one here at the school.” Rhythm asserted.

I simply nodded and lead him to my room. The other residents gave me waves, glad to see me back. In the time I was away the place was much cleaner and it felt better. As I entered my room I noticed it was a little less barren. A few more cases and drawers had been added, and a radio next to my terminal. I heard a small whistle from behind me, turning I saw it was Rhythm.

“Well looks like some pony likes you,” there was a smile on his face. “Well I needn't worry about you sleeping on the floor or something like that.”

He seemed impressed with my room, and I felt a bit of pride at that.

“Well, get some rest, if you feel anything amiss in the morning visit me. Don't drink any alcohol either, your body is already doing enough healing as it is. As it is come by the clinic in two days, want to make certain you have healed properly.” He gave me a nod as he turned and left.

I sat down on my bed, stripping out of my barding, putting everything where it had been laid out when I first had entered my room. I laid spread out on the bed. It was a very nice bed, it felt even softer now than when I had left.

*            *            *

Waking up I felt well rested finally. I lifted my leg and checked the time, it was already well past noon. I rolled over onto my legs and got up. My body had woken me up for basic needs. I think I would have slept forever if I could have. I milled about the town, a caravan from Colt had shown up, it had a lot of guards with it. Guess they had left before I had cleared the raiders. I headed to the board, I had done some bounties. The question was, where do I turn in the jobs. I asked a nearby merchant where to take them. He directed me to a bland building behind the market. As I entered I saw a ceiling fan slowly turning and a single pony behind a desk. Reading something, which I only caught the word 'wingboner' before the buck shut it as the door behind me closed. I shook my head, whatever it was it didn’t matter I was here to collect my caps.

“I have a few bounties to collect, or at least I hope I have the proof to collect.” I said as I levitated out the fliers with bits of mane glued to them from the dead raiders.

“Well I see you have a bit of their mane and from what the DJ said I have a fair bit to pay you for.” The buck said.

I blinked, true, DJ had told about my clearing of all of those raiders, so it made sense that I probably was going to get paid for every raider bounty from up there. I floated over the fliers I had.

“You are a lucky pony you know. I think this is the most anypony has gotten paid in years since we set up this system.” He turned and started to open a safe.

“Speaking of this system, who came up with it?” I asked.

“Oh it is something we got from the Finders out in Hoofington. Sometimes ponies don't got much to trade besides ideas.” Well the Finders were right, it was a good idea, and a useful one. No one pony could do everything, offering caps for work spread the load. He turned and set down three bags that clinked, I saw a note of “1k C” labeled on them. “Here you go, three thousand caps, fair pay for fair work.” He gave me a smile, I shook my head, that was a lot of caps.

“This is far more than I expected,” I just blinked at the three sacks.

“Well trust me, a pony who does work like this burns through caps faster than you can believe. Think about it, think about how much some of those guns cost, how much armor costs. Healing potions, painkillers, doctor visits. Trust me, it doesn't go as far as you think it will.”

I nodded, I remembered the seemingly insane price for a high power rifle. Then I remembered the seemingly more insane cost for combat armor, I didn’t even think I had ever seen a set I would trust go for less than five thousand caps. My small fortune felt much smaller. I thanked the bounty pony and walked into the market. I decided to not buy anything with it. Everything I had was working well enough, didn't really need to pay any pony to fix it up, been doing well enough with the scavenged parts. I did however have a lot of ammo and weapons to sell. I went to the gun merchant, I sold everything at face value, there was more than enough to make up for any undercutting he was doing. As it was I ended up with another two thousand caps. Bringing me to five thousand and five hundred caps. My fortune was growing.

I hit up the tavern, the waiter there asked if I wanted the wild pegasus again. I turned it down and told him Rhythm had told me no drinking today. He looked disappointed. I did order a rather large meal, and told him tomorrow I was coming back for the wild pegasus. That got me a smile, I noticed a few other staff members beaming as he took the order back. Okay, maybe there is a rather large amount of betting going on back there. Why was it so important to bet on if I could hold my liquor? Wait, I know why, because they lived here. Anything here was entertainment. Actually, to be honest in the wasteland, anything that wasn’t trying to kill you was entertainment. I smiled as I heard the jukebox turn on, no static, just crystal clear DJ Pon3. I rested in the booth waiting for my food.

Since I had come in a fair bit after noon the normal lunch rush was gone, and so my meal had taken not five minutes to get prepared and to my table. Most of it was meat, a bit of it was some sort of dark green spongy leafs. I asked about it and I got the answer of kelp. The hay was kelp? Whatever it was though it worked well with the gecko meat. I also had a RadAway, apparently kelp while good for you and rather good tasting when used right, was also rather radioactive. Now I knew why it was called the hotplate special. I ordered another, my stomach telling me that it was not happy about being ignored for the past week. Well since I was stuck in town for a day or two might as well pig out, had the caps to back it too. Three plates later my stomach was happy, I had waited until I finished before finishing the RadAway that I had, checking my Geiger counter to see internal radiation as close to zero as I could tell.

I sat for half an hour more before getting up and leaving. I left another considerable tip and gave my compliments directly to the chef at the excellent meal. As I was leaving I saw a few small bags of what I suspected to be caps exchange from one another. The waiter receiving a good number of them. What I was eating now was also something to bet on? I shook my head and walked to the clinic. I wanted to talk to Rhythm to learn more about healing. Even if I still couldn't pull off healing with my horn all that well I wanted to be able to safely administer healing potions. As I entered I noticed that the lobby was empty and Rhythm wasn't up front. I guessed either he was out or had a patient. I took up a chair in the lobby waiting for his return. I seriously had nothing else that I could do today. As tempting as it was to buy things, I felt I would be better served to hold back. After a few minutes I pulled out my book on medicine, might as well study to put myself in the right frame of mind. I also slipped in my ear bloom.

I woke up, my mouth was dry I saw my book laying on the chair next to me. I blinked double checking my surroundings. I was still was in the lobby of the clinic. I checked my watch, it had been a few hours. I didn't see anypony around. I drank from my canteen, the water felt good on my dry tongue. I gave a sigh, he still wasn't here. He was expecting me tomorrow, so I guess would come back tomorrow. Getting up I felt rather fine though bit sore from sleeping on the hard chair. I picked up my book and stowed it in my saddlebags again. Time for dinner, this time I went back to my room and had some of the food I had kept with me.

Through the day I had a few ponies come up to me to talk to me about the DJ talking about me over the radio. Many wanted to personally thank me for taking out Thunderlord. He apparently had killed a lot of ponies friends around here. In the morning apparently DJ Pon3 had re-run the story of my fight against Thunderlord, then had talked about what I had told Homage. Everypony now saw me as a hero. One thing I did notice was a lack of anypony talking about Saint Clover to me. I asked if he had mentioned anything about where I came from. They had told me that he said I just wandered into the area with a storm one night and took to cleaning up raiders. DJ Pon3 hadn't lied, I did wander out into the wasteland during a storm one night. I thanked Homage and the DJ for not telling everypony that Saint Clover kicked me out, and then wanted to capture me. I just, I don't know, the whole thing with Saint Clover still left me confused and frustrated.

My mind came back to thinking about my planned path around the wasteland. I realized, my trip around the wasteland was going to hit a snag after I activated the last tower. The logical next stop on my trip was Saint Clover. It was the biggest and safest settlement in the ruins of Seamane itself. Well safest if you weren’t part of a gang. I wasn't not going to do this, but, I was going to have to figure out some place as a rest stop between Ministry Row and Dune City. But, that was for once I had the tower in Seamane online and I could figure out safe places to go. Though a thought stuck in my mind about Meadows and Morning Sprouts home. That would have to do. Though their house would take a lot longer to get to than Saint Clover.

I stared up at my ceiling recalling the distances between each tower, how long it was going to take between each place of civilization. This was going to be a long trip. My first trip was going to be four days. From the southern tower by the town of Oakmare it would take five or six days travel to get to Colt. From Colt I had an entire day to travel to get to the tower itself. After that day back to Colt, get supplies, then an eleven day walk to the last two. Mostly it was going to take six days to get from Colt to the old resort. That resort was long abandoned from what I had been told, and, for good reason. Cazadors nested in that area. Having been told about those before I decided that at Colt I would do my best to buy something to blast them apart from long range. As good as my Varmint Rifle was I wanted something with better range, and was meant to punch through armor.

I looked at my watch again, having run through my plan a few more times, doing the math on supplies, I had spent the last hours of the day. Tomorrow I was going to have to find a caravan to go with to Oakmare. Not just for sake of not getting lost, but, since I had a nasty knack for getting hurt I wanted somepony around. I rubbed my face with my hooves. One of the merchants who had talked to me told me that due to my help that I had probably saved a lot more ponies lives than I realized. Because not only did I take out raiders, I had made trade easier. Trade brought food, now that it was safer to get to Dune City and Saint Clover more caravans were probably gearing up to make runs again.

“Ugh, I hadn't done anything today, I need to do something.” I muttered to the air. It feels wrong not to be walking for hours on end, or in pain.”

I rolled off the bed and looked at the reloading equipment.

“You know what, I had a ton of spent rounds, I had the equipment and supplies.” I stated as I walked to the reloading bench. “I’m going to break you in reloading bench.”

 I pulled out all of my spent ammo. I pulled out a book that was with the reloading bench, it taught the finer details of reloading ammo that I hadn’t learned in Saint Clover. It was actually rather easy. Bit of metal for the actual projectile, certain number of grains, which I found out was not individual grains of powder, but, was a measurement. The last part was putting in a new primer so when the hammer of whatever firearm I put it in could set off the powder. I slipped into a mechanical routine of reloading. It was rather easy, it didn't take long, and it required focus. It was what I needed. My magic aided me greatly as I work parts of the equipment with hoof and magic. Time was meaningless. Measure, shape, place, press, slide off. So simple, but, required focus. I finished reloading all the ammo I had. I looked at my watch again. Three hours had passed while I was in the zen of reloading ammo, it reminded me of the zen of combat I could achieve.

I poked my forehead with a hoof and whispered to myself, “you are one strange pony, you know that Moonlight?” I simply nodded.

*            *            *

I walked out to the streets below. After a good nights rest and having actually mentally worked out for a day I felt better. Adrenaline from battle was great, but, so was learning hard things. I had already eaten, relieved myself, and refilled my water before I left the school. I wondered if at some point Sunset and Violet would come up with a name for the place. I felt a cool breeze cut through the rain. I also wondered when the rain was supposed to stop. I shook my head, my wet mane sticking to me. I wandered through the town. I realized while I had stayed several days here, I had never really gone through it. Away from the main street there were more buildings. From the looks of it a lot of buildings were boarded up. I continued to explore. The town had been quite expansive, many of the buildings on the outskirts had collapsed. From what I saw the collapse of these buildings were from when the bombs fell, there was much fire damage to the ruins as there was split wood suggesting something shook or hit the buildings.

I had picked through what buildings I could. There wasn't anything left, unsurprisingly, but, it was rather good way to spend the few hours before dawn. No pony had been out when I left main street, now there were a few. Another caravan was getting ready to go towards Saint Clover, I conversed with them. I learned that later today another caravan should be showing up from Saint Clover if all went well and they would be heading out to the Oakmare before heading to Colt. It was going to be a long walk, but, uneventful since the roads are so well traveled. That, and guards, guards with good armor and weapons. I was going to enjoy not being the only pony firing back. Though after talking to some ponies who had walked the road from here to the Oakmare it was rather safe. Sometimes a small raider camp would have set up along the road and need to be cleared out or navigated around. Most dangerous were the few ruins along the highway that generally held a nest of raiders. Very rarely a group of slavers would lay in wait to capture caravans. Though very rarely would slavers target caravans as that would cause caravans to avoid the region and start starving off the stupid slavers who captured people bringing supplies.

I had headed back to my room since it was going to be tomorrow before I left with the caravan I decided I would use the time to make certain I packed lightly. If it was going to be a long walk I wanted to make certain I had the essentials in spades. I was also going to have to make certain to pack as much ammo for my pistol and rifle as I could. I rather not take the two SMG's as they require a lot of ammo to use effectively. I was going to take all of my caps as well as my leather saddlebags. I liked using the ammo crates for saddlebags, but, they were really heavy compared to my leather ones. I placed my twin SMG's on the wall over the reloading bench where I head set up a number of racks to hold guns on display. On my bed I had laid out and sorted ever bit of ammo I had. While out at the market I had bought several more ammo crates and labeled them with chalk to denote what each one had. I had a great deal of ten millimeter ammo for the SMG's, I also had a great number of rounds for my shotgun and pistol. As for the Rifle I had the least for it, the least still being well over a hundred rounds. I loaded my saddlebags and the pouches in on my belt with ammo and magazines. I had spent a fair bit on water and food, I had set those as deep in the bags as I could so they would not shift around as much as possible. I also rigged a quick release to both bags in case I needed to drop them. I didn't like the idea of having to drop them, but, on the other hoof, rather not die due to I couldn't get a strap to move. I set what I would be taking with me on the workbench and headed out to see if the caravan had been spotted yet, and to get dinner.

*            *            *

Earlier I had gone and talked to Rhythm, at mention of I had gone to talk to him yesterday he apologized. Apparently he had been helping deliver some foals. Which explained why he wasn't there for the whole day. I asked about the foals and for the most part they were all healthy, a few had some issues, but, overall they and their mothers were healthy and happy. One of the more interesting things was the number of the captives I saved who were coming to him for medical training. Most of them wanted to help, they wanted to heal. Really I didn't know what I was expecting them to do. Maybe I just expected them to not really do anything like what it felt like a lot of ponies in Saint Clover did.  I mean obviously everypony did something, just, I didn't know what they did. I asked if he was going to teach them how to heal others. Rhythm stated how happy he was to be helping a group of ponies who wanted to truly do better for others.

We talked more about Dune City and the towns I would be headed to over the next few weeks. Oakmare was a interesting place, it sat on two major highways that bisected the town. One lead north to Colt and south to other regions of the wastes. Then from the eastern side of Oakmare ran a major highway that connected it to Seamane. Apparently the town prewar was another agricultural hub, though a much smaller one as it was just a rest stop and not a port. To the north was Colt, which had only one safe road out of it to the north that connected it to Old Appleloosa, while Dodge city was closer the trail had become quite dangerous and was not used by caravans anymore. I returned my focus of my question to Oakmare since I would be heading there first and knew the least about it.

There was a saving grace to Oakmare, it had a large population of Brahmin, something any caravan would need for the long trips around the wasteland. It also had a decent trade relationship with both Dune City and Colt. While I had made it so less ponies would head there, it by the sounds of it wouldn’t hurt it much. Before the war Oakmare had been a major hub for all agriculture as well as it had a large native cattle population. The area had never seen major development beyond scattered farms, like the area north of Seamane. Which meant small towns that would most likely be hubs for raiders, monsters, or just abandoned to time. Another thing that would be around is mansions of the rich, long abandoned and possibly heavily protected with automated defenses guarding long abandoned caches of prewar wealth.

Next I asked about Colt, this had been on the edge of the badlands that Appleloosa was known for. The area between them was mostly dry desert, canyons, and lands where Buffalo had once stampeded. Colt had never had much issue with the buffalo due to where it had been built. Before the war it was a tourist trap, all about cowpony themed things. Post war the town was rather intact as it was just a small town and thus not targeted. Over time it became a hub as it was close to Old Appleloosa and there was a rather intact road between them that to this day has been very safe to travel. Ironically the safety is due to the slavers that operate in both Old Appleloosa and in Colt. They patrolled the road capturing any bandits or raiders as well as putting down local wildlife that gets too close. Another favor from Celestia and Luna was that nothing worse than Gecko's, radhogs, bloatsprites, and raiders ever got into the area.

The area around Colt not towards Old Appleloosa was a lot of stepped hills that lead to the vast plains that made of most of the Seamane wasteland. The stepped hills surrounding it was going to be the worst part of going to Colt, according to Rhythm, raiders loved to hide in this area. Normally it is well patrolled by ponies from Colt itself, but, there was always a good number of raiders and bandits willing to risk it to hit caravans or lone travelers. I would have to be careful on my trip to the MASEBS tower that was near Colt as ambushes would be a major concern. I was surprised to hear about so much slaver activity in the area, though Rhythm calmed my worried about getting enslaved with the fact they go after raiders. I also could pay a small fee in Colt or Oakmare after showing up with the caravan so I would be safe from slavers going after me.

After all that I asked him to teach me what he could about medicine, mainly that examination spell. The spell was rather easy and it took little time to master it. We even got a few patients while I was learning it. I had used them as practice for the spell, Rhythm watched over me as I treated them. Mostly bruises and cuts, a fractured leg as well. I was pleased with my work, as was Rhythm. I think he liked teaching someone his craft. I asked about where he had learned how to heal from and not surprisingly he came from Saint Clover and moved out here as they needed somepony to help out locally more than Saint Clover did at the time. He told me that before settling down here in Dune City he traveled in caravans from town to town doing what he could to help ponies. He happened upon a Ministry of Peace facility focused on teaching ponies how to heal. He had grabbed a few books from there which he now had in his office for reviewing himself. In the books he told me that there were mentions of healing spells like what a healing potion did. As well as ones for setting and mending bones. I asked him where the M.o.P. school was, he didn't quite remember, but, he said it was around ministry row. That gave me a place to look, the ministry hub on ministry row. In the heart of Seamane, next to the last tower I was going to go to. I was both happy that it was on my path, and worried as I had to spend more time around one of the most dangerous areas in the Seamane Ruins.

I asked him what of the eastern road from Colt that made its way to Seamane from the north. He asked why I would want to go that way and I explained that it would allow me the safest entry into the Seamane ruins without having to pick my way through street after street of Celestia knows what. He asked what I was after in the Ruins, I explained about the MASEBS tower as well as how I was turning them back on. We sat in silence for a few minutes, I think he was uncertain as to why I would do it. Eventually he sighed and began to tell me what he knew of the region which was not much, mostly prewar. It had been mostly farm land, but, more importantly the massive resort was called Sapphire Shores, it was renamed after the singer herself. Also in that area where many vineyards as well as summer homes of nobility from Canterlot. He also mentioned that while on my travels in this area I should keep an eye out for anything strange. Not just for the mutated wildlife, but, untouched prewar tech. He also warned to be on the look out for Steel Rangers. As I had heard on the radio Steel Rangers were hoarders of prewar tech to the point of wiping out entire towns for one tiny bit of it. Supposedly they were in the region for two purposes, the scattered prewar tech and an abandoned bunker of theirs. Rhythm also reminded me this was old information before ponies stopped going into that area. The stop of ponies going out there was due to the lose of any place to trade out there and the high risks of attack from wildlife and the Steel Rangers.

It was better than going in blind, but, now I had to deal with heavily armored murderous ponies and wildlife that could punch a hole clean through you. I really hoped that I didn't run into either group, and hoped that if I did while at Colt I would be able to get big enough weapons to deal with them. It wasn't long after that I left, we talked a bit more about how things were going in Dune City from before I had come to it. Really from what I gathered other than large skirmishes between bandits and raiders with slavers and mercenaries there had really been no major events in the wasteland in years. My week out of Saint Clover had been the busiest week in decades for the area, with DJ Pon3 now on the air waves with reliable strength, and two major areas of raider infestation cleared out. From what he had said though every few years there is a report of some pony or group of ponies trying to do good for a few months then they vanish or die or turn villainous. The wasteland was merciless to everypony, and heroes it had a certain love for breaking them. After our talk I felt he wanted me to stay away from becoming a hero, from doing stupid 'heroic' things. He was correct, the heroic thing was taking down those raiders and fighting Thunderlord. I had nearly died, even without that I had nearly broken my spine with my magically assisted landing. I would have to be far more careful when I was on my own.

*            *            *

I had finished getting all of my equipment ready and was now rather hungry. Enough time had passed that it was evening so to the diner I went for dinner. It wasn't a long walk but when I entered it was more crowded than usual. I glanced around and noticed some new faces, I took a guess that the caravan I would be going with had gotten in while I was preparing. All of the booths were taken, but, there was plenty of space at the bar. I walked in and hopped on a stool, tonight service would probably be a bit slower seeing as there was an influx of at least ten ponies over the regular number for dinner. Then again I didn't know what the regular number actually was. Wait I had been in here only a couple of times so far, so I don't know if this is beyond what they on average dealt with? I shook my head as the familiar waiter pony walked up behind the bar and greeted me.

“Hello Miss Moonlight, what do you care for this evening?” He asked with his usual cordiality.

“Wild Pegasus and whatever is the special is tonight.” I gave a big grin, he smiled back and walked back to the kitchen with my order.

“One Special and a bottle of Wild Pegasus!” He called out as he attached the ticket to a metal wheel with other sheets of paper on it.

I saw the chief poke his head out of the kitchen and I waved to him, he gave a smile as he returned the wave and moved back into the kitchen. It didn't take long for my order to get filled, matter of fact it seemed like the staff back there double timed it to get every order filled and with mine they all came out and the chief himself delivering my food and drink. I wondered how many caps they had going on this bet.

“One Special and,” he set the bottle of Wild Pegasus on the table next to my plate of very good looking fruit, vegetables, bread, and meat. “And one two hundred year old bottle of Wild Pegasus.”

“Thank you,” I said to him and dug in.

Whatever this all was on my plate it was amazing. I took no time to eat it, I didn't want any of it to get cold or to feel like I was wasting the staffs time. I knew what they were waiting for. My chugging of the bottle of Wild Pegasus. When I finished I turned to the bottle, that is when I noticed the whole restaurant had gone quiet and all eyes were on me. Apparently the betting had gone beyond just the staff. I knew this was a stupid idea, but, what the hay. I opened the bottle and took a whiff of the drink, it smelled of alcohol much more strongly than the last bottle of Wild Pegasus. I took a deep breath and grabbed the bottle in my hooves and raised it to my lips then tilted my head back and began to drink. I was very glad I had eaten before drinking. I enjoyed the taste and the burn of the drink as I kept drinking. I kept my eyes closed I didn't want to see how much was left as I slowly tilted my head back to keep the flow going. I think I was down to the last third when I heard a chant start from all around me.

“Chug, chug, chug, chug, chug!”

Well I was already doing that, so I guessed it was they were trying to give me support to finish. I started to feel the effects of the alcohol as my body started to absorb it. Though that should take a bit longer, I thought. In any case I was very glad I was holding the bottle in my hooves and not with my magic as I doubt I could have properly held it with my magic. I felt the last of the burning drink leak out of the bottle and I opened my eyes. That was a completely empty bottle of Wild Pegasus Whiskey for sure. I set the bottle down on the bar table and smiled at the chief. He looked positively ecstatic, as did the waiter. I could see half of the rest of the tavern staff frustrated. I gave a stupid grin as I heard cheering break out around me, the sound of sacks of caps being set on tables. I probably should get some water in my system soon so I didn't pass out or had a crippling headache tomorrow while walking. Eh it could wait until the cheering died down. I felt a hoof go around my shoulder I turned to look at who it belonged to. I saw a hoof, I turned the other way and was looking into the eyes of a mare.

“Hello, what can I do you for?” I asked the mare in my face.

“Well you are pretty good at drinking, which means you are the pony someone told me to be on the look out for.” She replied coolly.

I felt things were probably going to get interesting rather quick.

“So who asked you to be on the look out for me? Ministry of Moral for underage drinking? Because I am of age even if I don't look it.” I mused jokingly before I stuck out my tongue. It got me a few chuckles around the room and from her.

“No, two ponies, one so I would know who was to be joining my caravan tomorrow morning, the other was to deliver a message from Saint Clover.” The mare replied with a smile.

I blinked, well that solved finding the caravan, it found me. I tilted my head, message from Saint Clover? Wouldn't they have left just about when the caravan from here got to Saint Clover? Maybe a message from Dad? Only thing I could think of.

“Yep I am your pony then,” I responded giving a big smile to her. I then frowned, that could be taken in a few ways that I hadn't intended.

“Well the message is from somepony claiming to be your father.” She went on.

Bingo, I called it, who is awesome? I am awesome! I also have quite the ego when drunk don’t I?

“He wanted you to know they are safe and so far nopony had moved against them. Your leaving when you did actually seemed to have helped calm things down.” The way she said it felt like she didn't know things hadn't been so not calm. “And that they all miss you, and want you to stay safe.”

“Well good, sounds more or less like my dad too. Well if you need to find me, I am up in the school house, top floor only door on one side of hall. Not one of the two on the other side of the hall up there. When do you expect to be leaving tomorrow?” And now I was starting to really feel the alcohol hit me, this stuff was much stronger than last time.

“We will be setting out around nine in the morning, so come find me in the morning either here or near the west exit to town. Name is Ruby Saddle.” She offered a hoof to shake, I did my best to shake it, which was to say I bumped it with the my own hoof then slipped from her grasp and face planted into her chest. She lifted me back up and helped me get my balance back on my stool.

“I will chalk that up to your balance being off from the drink, and not that you are being very frisky.” She chided me with a grin on her face.

I swear, if my face could go anymore red than it did right then I would cause my own coat to catch fire.

“Yes, um sorry, this is only the second time I have drank so I am still getting used to it.” I sheepishly responded. “So don't read much into what I do or say...” I swear I could smell the hair of my coat smoldering.

“Anyways, yes just show up tomorrow morning with your gear and we will be off as soon as everyone else does. You fail to show up we leave without you.” Ruby finished.

I nodded, “Then I best get to bed and drink a gallon of water.” I slide myself carefully off the stool and on to my feet. “I rather not have a hangover while watching out for raiders.”

All I got was a smile from her as I carefully made my way out of the tavern. This time I noticed it was a lot harder to walk than last time I was drunk. It took a very concentrated effort to keep upright and walk. I centered the school building in my sight and walked as best as I could. I don't know how long it took, but, it felt like forever to get to the building. Once in I was feeling a little more accustom to being so badly drunk. Then I saw them, stairs, the mortal enemy of me while drunk. I was able to climb them with less issue than I thought. Well less issue after I remembered I had magic to help support me as I climbed. I only remembered after falling the fifth time. Half way up I felt myself get lighter and then something push under me. I looked down to see green and blue.

“Seems somepony needs help getting to bed tonight.” White Rose warmly cooed, I could see a smile on her face, her tone sounded mischievous.

“Yes the mighty heroine, Moonlight, needs help to defeat her mortal foe! Stairs!” I beseeched Rose with an exaggerated wave of my hoof.

“Then let I your companion, White Rose, help you with your mighty war against the evil stairs.” Rose declared as she carried me up to my room, the entire time trying to keep from giggling at me.

I did my best to keep myself balanced on her back as she took me the rest of the way. Once in my room she walked up to the bed and slide me gently onto it. I looked around my room, it was a bit more filled than when I had last been in it, but, I couldn't tell with what. I shook my head, and that was a bad idea, I felt really dizzy from that and put both fore hooves on my head.

“You lay there while I get you some water, you are going to need it.” Rose told me and walked out of my room. I watched her go, I think she was swaying her hips as she walked. Or that might just be the alcohol making me think she was doing that. I nodded and laid back on my bed.

I wondered what Rose had been up to since she got to Dune City. I hadn't seen her much while here so I supposed she was helping out setting up the rest of the school building.

I sighed as I laid there waiting for her to return. Not moving while being drunk was amazing, but, trying to walk or do anything complicated was out of the question. I enjoyed the feeling that I got while drunk, but, beyond that really the effects and the after effects of drinking were rather nasty. Then again I was only drinking when I knew it was safe to. I wouldn't drink the day that I was going out into the wasteland or when somepony told me not to. Or when my instincts told me not to. I waved a hoof in front of my face, slowly moving it back and forth and just tracking it with my eyes.

A thought crossed my mind, had I even paid for dinner? I, I couldn't remember if I had. Well guess that was going to be something to do in the morning. Being drunk made me much less perceptive of things, or was it much shorter memory. I closed my eyes for a minute then felt the bed shift slightly I opened my eyes to see Rose laying in bed next to me. Did alcohol make me that unperceptive or was she just that quiet?

“I brought you some water, and I paid for your dinner. Not my own caps, I took yours down there and paid for it.” Rose explained as she stretched out on the bed next to me. “Now in the morning we can repack since I am coming with you.”

When did I agree to that?

“Until then relax, you are in my care.” Rose purred as she nuzzled my mane.

I then noticed at some point she had relieved me of my stuff. I also noticed that I was no longer thirsty and a number of empty water bottles laid on the floor. When had I? Then there was a kiss on my muzzle. Oh why did I care, I was plastered, and my memory seemed spotty when this drunk. I kissed back, it was going to be a long trip and probably go far worse than planned. Who says I couldn't at least enjoy myself for tonight.

Footnote: 10% to next level